Stoke City striker Peter Crouch has claimed that Mark Hughes is changing the way the club is perceived.

The Potters were known for their direct style and tough defence under previous boss Tony Pulis, despite qualifying for Europe and reaching the FA Cup final.

Since Hughes has come in, their style has changed, and despite an inconsistent start, Stoke are now among the form teams in the league.

"When a new manager comes in at the start of a season it takes time to gel," Crouch told The Mirror.

"We are trying to adapt the style of play. I think it's ridiculous to get away from all the factors of the previous manager. He left a good team and a club in the right place.

"But ever since the new manager came in at Stoke we have enjoyed working with him. We have bought into his ideas and he has brought in some more quality to add to the side. I believe we are changing people's perceptions of the club."

Stoke take on Cardiff City tomorrow afternoon.